August Communique

Engaging With the Executive: Tracy O’Briant, Assistant Vice President of Private Business Finance

Each issue of Communiqué will highlight an executive in one of our lines of business. We hope you will get to know the executives a little better, both professionally and personally.

This month, we introduce you to Tracy O’Briant. She is the assistant vice president of private business finance. She has been with the company for 37 years.

1. Tell us about your first job.
   My first real job was as a cashier at Moore’s Building Supply. I think I was 16. I was looking for a summer job, applied in the morning and started two hours later. It was a great experience. I enjoyed interacting with coworkers and customers. I learned a great deal about retail and building materials. I became a jack-of-all-trades, assisting with inventory, stocking and sales. I even learned to use a pallet jack and forklift! It was a great job for summer and holiday breaks. I returned year after year until I graduated from college. After college, I thought I wanted to use my business degree to continue in retail and marketing. I wound up with a new building materials chain entering the Columbia market: HQ. I experienced the setup and staging of a new store. It was intensive training that led to a soft then grand opening. It was hard work, and we put in long hours, but it was fun. I worked in customer service and receiving. I eventually trained in designing kitchens, ordering special-order cabinets. Eventually, I tired of retail hours. BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina was doing a big hiring campaign, and the rest is history. Throughout my career, the common thread has been the customer. No matter what the business is, the customers come first. They are why we are in business.  
2. Describe some of your hobbies or interests outside of work. 
   I enjoy time with family and friends. I like traveling, boating, reading, watching sports and attending concerts. As crazy as it may sound, I enjoy early morning boot camp workouts with friends. My happy place is at the beach or in the mountains.  
3. What’s your favorite food? If it’s from a restaurant, which one?
   I don’t know if I have a favorite food or restaurant. I enjoy eating out and trying new dishes. I guess seafood and Italian dishes probably rate highest for me.
4. What’s your favorite movie, and why?
   My favorite movie is “It’s a Wonderful Life.” I adore the late Jimmy Stewart and respect his values as a human and an actor. It’s just a great story of life. It makes you appreciate family, friends, opportunities and outcomes as you travel through life.  
5. 5.What’s your favorite book, and why?
   I like to read when I can find time, and I love my local library, but I don’t have a favorite book or author. I go in spurts. I just finished a Harlan Coben novel. He’s always a favorite. Now I’m reading “Unified” by Tim Scott and Trey Gowdy. I had the pleasure of seeing Trey speak at a seminar recently. He talked about the unlikely friendship he struck with Tim Scott. I enjoyed hearing him speak and thought I’d check out their book.
6. 6.Tell us about your favorite sports team.
   My favorite sports are at the college level. I’m from Michigan, so the University of Michigan’s football team is my favorite. I am known to pull for South Carolina, too! As for the pros, I follow the Detroit Red Wings, Tigers and Lions through the sports seasons. And because my husband grew up with the manager of the San Diego Padres, we cheer on the Padres, as well. So I’m all over the place.
7. 7.Describe one or more of your pet peeves.
   Tardiness and rude behavior. It’s important to show up on time and be prepared to conquer the day. And be kind and considerate of others.
8. 8.

   Based on your experience, what are three keys to success for employees early in their careers?

   a) Make a good first impression. Put your cellphone away, shake hands, look people in the eyes and smile.  
   b) Challenge yourself to step outside the box. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake. That is how we learn.
   c) Be patient, listen carefully and treat others with kindness. 

9. 9.Whom do you admire most, and why?
   I admire many. As I grow older, my admiration for others changes focus. I admire my grandparents for the changes they experienced during their lives. They always put family first, led by example, cemented our values and supported us through life’s challenges. I admire my parents for their guidance and encouragement. I think back on teachers and bosses through the years. There were several that left an impression. My first manager at BlueCross was another I admired. I had the pleasure of working under Shirley Scruggs in FEP. She ran a solid team and gained respect from many. She was always kind and led with grace. And on a broader scale, I admire teachers, health care workers and our military. They all serve to make our world better.
10. 10.Tell us about your greatest achievement.
    My parents did not go to college, so I was the first to break that cycle. I found a career path that allowed me to learn and grow. But that was expected of me, so I’d say my greatest achievements have been holding on to the values handed down and focusing on family. All families are a challenge, but the family bond is important to one’s mental health, strength and success in life. I make it a priority to stay connected with family near and far.

Accurate information is vital for any business. Having up-to-date information aids in making decisions, determines how money is spent and helps shape plans for the future. Ensuring information is current is a team effort. That’s why BlueCross is asking for your help.

You may have seen our “Your Voice Matters” posters. To better serve our employees, we are asking you to make sure your personal information reflects your disability and/or military status. It’s a simple thing, but knowing about employees helps the company make decisions about benefits, training and more.

It’s easy to update your disability or military status! Just go to the Personal Information app in OurHRConnect.

Thank you for helping to make BlueCross the best we can be!

Payor Innovations Recognizes Employee Successes

The Payor Innovations Employee Recognition Committee, along with senior leaders, recently celebrated employees’ hard work and successes during the first half of the year. The recognition program honors workers for their dedication and consistent pursuit of excellence.

Each month, leaders send in nominations to the committee, which includes members from various departments. Employees can also submit kudos for their peers or managers.

In the two years since the program started, more than 225 winners have been recognized. The committee meets often to come up with ways to enhance and grow the program.

The program has become a valued tradition. Award winners are honored at a catered luncheon, where they receive a certificate from senior leaders. They are featured in group photos shared via Microsoft Teams.

Introducing the Edison Award

New this year is the Edison Award. It honors employees for contributions to process improvements supported by measurable results. Managers review and approve submissions that highlight a positive impact on BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.

Vision Winners:

• Ashley Joyce
• Chanetta Sanders
• Sumanthkumar Reddy Seelam
• •    Katrina Seay
• •    Kayli Taylor

Perseverance Winners:

•    Erica Ginyard

•    Mary Smith

•    Takelia Haynes

•    Melanie Sutherland

•    Ashley Williamson

•    Darla Steele

•    Monica Livingston

•    Kelsey Rachwal

•    Jessica Smith

•    Gretchen Miller

•    Matthew Bailey

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Core Value Winners:

•    Emanuele Talford

•    Lynnette Campbell

•    JoAnne McIntosh

•    Shawanda Singletary

Congratulations to all the winners!

Register Soon for the Healthy You 5K and Family Day!

There’s excitement in the air, and there’s a good reason for it. It’s time to mark your calendar and tell a friend because the Healthy You 5K and Family Day registration will open Friday, Aug. 29. Whether you love to run, are cheering for someone who does, or just love to have a good time, the Healthy You 5K and Family Day is for you. The Wellness department wants to invite everyone to join the fun.

This year’s Healthy You 5K and Family Day will take place Saturday, Nov. 1. It’s going to be a fun and exciting day for the whole family. For employees who might be thinking about taking part in their first 5K experience, the Wellness department has training plans on the Wellness app in OurHRConnect.

“This year’s 5K isn’t just a race. It’s a full-on celebration of movement, connection and joy! With exciting new activities and something for every fitness level, we’re turning up the energy and making it an experience you won’t want to miss. Come out, get inspired, and be part of something amazing!” said Vincent Allen, health promotions coordinator.
This year’s event will feature the Healthy You 5K, 1-Mile Walk and 1-Mile Kids Fun Run. There is even a virtual 5K option so employees outside the Columbia area can join the party. All 5K runners will get a chance to make a difference with the 5K for $5K giveaway. Those who register and take part in the 5K will get to vote for the nonprofits who will receive a donation from BlueCross.

Don’t forget the team challenge! The company will be split into teams by lines of business. Teams will compete for Jeans Day badges. Employees can earn points for their team by registering and running in one of the races. Once chosen, team captains will email their teams with more information.

For details and to register, visit the Wellness app in OurHRConnect. Make sure you sign up by Sept. 20 to get a free T-shirt!

From the BlueCross Blog:  Good Food Grows in South Carolina

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, local fruits and vegetables. In South Carolina, healthy food is more accessible than ever. With support from Diabetes Free SC and local partners, families across the state are making simple, seasonal changes that support long-term health.

Read the full blog post here.

Monthly Health: Sleep on This!

Few things are as important as a good night’s sleep. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says adults should get at least seven hours of sleep each night. This is because sleep allows your body to recharge and repair itself. Getting enough sleep can ward off a host of diseases and improve your mental health.

While You Sleep

As you sleep, your cortisol hormone level dips. It slowly increases through the night so you are alert in the morning. Your heart rate and breathing slow. Your blood pressure plunges, and your body temperature drops. Your body pumps out growth hormones and regulates your hunger hormones. And your brain cleans house. 

You are not in a deep sleep most of the night. Rather, you cycle through sleep stages.. You wake up for a few seconds before each cycle begins again, even though you may not realize it. While your body rests during sleep, your brain remains active. It controls your body functions, such as breathing, even as it rejuvenates.

There are two sleep states. One is rapid eye movement, or REM. The other sleep state is nonrapid eye movement, or NREM. REM sleep is active sleep. You dream, your breathing and heart rate increase and become irregular, your muscles relax, and your eyes flutter. NREM sleep has four substages. It begins with drowsiness and advances to deep sleep. The restorative effects of sleep occur during deep NREM sleep. Yet, even during deep NREM sleep, your mind is active.

Benefits of Sleep

When you sleep, your brain recharges, your cells repair themselves, and your body releases important hormones that heal and rejuvenate. A restful night’s sleep helps keep your brain sharp, your immune system strong, your waistline trim and your skin healthy. It also lowers your risk for depression, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease.

While sleep by itself won’t help you shed unwanted pounds, restful nights can prevent weight gain. How, you wonder? Insufficient sleep increases the secretion of a hormone called ghrelin, which signals hunger. It also decreases the hormone leptin, which transmits the feeling of fullness. This imbalance may weaken your will to resist junk food, as your body will crave high-calorie, sugary foods to compensate.

Getting enough quality sleep protects your mental health, physical health, quality of life and safety. Sleep helps keep you happy, which bolsters all your relationships. It can prevent headaches. It lowers your risk of a car crash. A good night’s sleep even raises your pain threshold. 

For these reasons, getting a good night’s sleep is just as important as eating right and routine exercise. Be sure you are giving your body and mind the rest they need to help you be at your best.

The CDC is an independent organization that provides health information you may find helpful.